Monday, April 25, 2011

The above painting is a mural in the Massachusetts State is a mural of World War II Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr., of Hamilton, awarding the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles L. Smith for Smith’s gallantry in action during the assault on the Siegfried Switch, Tettingen, Germany in January, 1945. The mural is located on the Fourth Floor of the State House across from the House Gallery.

This scene illustrates a scene outside Tettingen, in the Saar-Moselle Triangle, early in the assault on the Switch. At the right is a German pill box at the edge of the Campholz Woods. At the left are Monkey Wrench Woods. Lt. General Patton has stopped en route out of town to congratulate Lt. Smith for bravery after he led his platoon into combat. Maj. General Harry J. Maloney, Commander, looks on.

The full description of the painting and the events can be found here.

A soldier fights because he has to, he doesn’t like to fight but he will for himself and for his family & friends he wants to preserve the little things he loves.

Soldiers aren’t courageous either, they’re isn’t anyone who has more fears than a soldier.I don’t believe we’re fighting to “make the world safe for democracy” I think we’re fighting for us, our present & future happiness. We aren’t getting gray hairs over the the welfare of those who are to follow, they mean just about all of nothing to us.

Every soldier is fighting for the mother, the father & brothers & sisters he loves the kitchen & dining room & bedroom he wants to come home to.